Ling 331/731

Space Exercises (Due Tuesday, April 10th)

1. Levinson et al. propose a path of ‘successive fractionation’ for topological relations in languages that starts with a single general expression ‘at’ and becomes more specific. Explain where you would put English, Dutch, Berber and Spanish on Levinson et al.’s pathway. What problems do you find?

2. Frawley (1992) states that the prepositions at and on express the relation of coincidence. Analyze the degree to which the features of support and coincidence provide an account for the uses of these prepositions in the following sentences:

        a. The house is on/at the lake.

         b. The rug is on/*at the floor.

         c. The elevator is on/at the first floor.

         d. Kathy is *on/at KU.

         e. The letter is *at the kitchen/at the office.